Our complex world needs community support from the Church movements such as the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCAP) to contribute to social change. In the recently concluded Global 2033: Leaders' Summit 2024 Philippines organized by Global 2033 together with CBCP Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis, Office for the Promotion of New Evangelization, and The Lord’s Flock Catholic Community, SCA participants reaffirmed the role of youth groups and movements in social transformation as they are crucial in the development of conscience and faith as well as sustaining community engagement of students and young people learned in schools and universities.
While such need is ever-growing, the SCAP has relaunched an inspiring campaign called “My Gift for Change.” This advocacy is more than just a fundraising effort but a movement aimed at forming, empowering the youth and students to become changemakers and fostering sustainable social engagement.
The Vision Behind “My Gift for Change” and Its Impact
“My Gift for Change” supports SCA Philippines’ various national formation programs and advocacies for capacitating students, chaplains, and teacher-animators in accompanying their communities in schools, colleges, and universities. These initiatives guide the students in creating sustainable projects in peace and social justice, values education, environmental sustainability, science and technology, and new media.
The campaign through “My Gift for Change” involves providing opportunities for impactful projects that begin with Christian leadership formation which nurtures the spiritual growth of the youth, and helps them become morally grounded and socially responsible citizens. Further, it also covers providing intensive training in equipping young individuals with competencies to lead and bring change in their communities. This campaign consequently results in community engagement projects of students that address the issues in their respective communities.
All these efforts are reflective of SCAP’s commitment to transforming schools, parishes, and communities by witnessing Gospel Values in Word and Action for 89 years. In the next three years, SCAP aims to transform about 15,000 student leaders who will be impacted directly by the project. Bahay SCAn Formation Center houses Bahay SCAn Peace Library and National Secretariat. It is also an open space for learning, formation, training, and development of student leaders and champions for justice and peace. The house has become a symbol of faith, hope, and love and part of Teresita Nitorreda or Titatet’s vision and generosity, together with her friends which will always be revered. Hence, the My Gift for Change (MGC) campaign continues as long as there are more generous people who believe that there is still hope for our Church, country, and world.
Stories of Transformation
One of the most interesting aspects of “My Gift for Change” is the real-life stories of transformation it has facilitated. For instance, during the 14th National Leadership Conference held in Bauang, La Union, participants shared how their involvement with SCA has profoundly impacted their lives. Rhencelle from Mindanao, a 4th-year BSN student, expressed how the conference helped her realize her potential and inspired her to contribute more significantly to her community.
There are so many notable alumni of SCA that have impactful stories of success and transformation such as the late Senator Raul Roco and his wife, Sonia Roco, the late Carmencita Abella, who was the former president of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, Chief Justices Hilario Davide and Artemio Panganiban, former CHED Commissioner Patricia Licuanan, Loida Nicolas Lewis, one of the successful Filipinas in the USA and many more.
Moreover, many of our alumni are continuously active and engaged in various initiatives that provide spaces for social transformation. Many of them have become inspirations and witnesses of faith and action.
Get Involved!
Supporting “My Gift for Change” is simple yet profoundly impactful. Your support would count as one of the 1000 or more My Gift for Change (MGC) Champions that will help change youth leaders and their communities. Donations can be made through https://www.scaphilippines.org/mgc. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps sustain our vital programs. “My Gift for Change” is not just a campaign but a hope in action to drive meaningful and impactful change for, by, and with young people. By contributing to this campaign, you are not just giving money; you are investing in the future leaders of the country.
For more information and to be part of this campaign, visit the SCA Philippines website, email us at mgc@scaphilippines.org, or visit our National Secretariat at the Bahay-SCAn Formation Center, Foggy Heights Village, San Jose, Tagaytay City, Philippines, and look for Steven and Karen.
Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions about this campaign!
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